Astrology aficionados know well that a fresh calendar year brings with it a mix of anticipation, thrill, and a hint of nerves. These feelings stem from the uncertainty that the coming 12 months hold. However, this same uncertainty fuels motivation as it presents a myriad of opportunities for exploration. Perhaps you've been mulling over training for your inaugural 5K run or enhancing your daily wellness routine by incorporating an under-desk treadmill. You might also be thinking about seeking professional psychological help to better manage your mental health. Whatever your ambitions are, 2023 provides a clean slate for you to chase them. Success can be at arm's length with some guidance from the celestial occurrences of the year. This article discusses all you need to grasp about the astrological happenings in 2023. It includes significant cosmic events and their potential impact on your overall well-being and personal development. Additionally, you'll discover how to leverage these heavenly activities to benefit your psychological wellness, physical health, relationships, and more. The commencement of 2023 may feel out of the ordinary due to a combination of astrological occurrences that could potentially affect your energy levels: Mercury, which symbolizes communication, and Mars, representing action, are both in retrograde for the initial few weeks of the New Year. This could result in a desire to retreat rather than venture out, heightened by an array of delays, misunderstandings, and setbacks. However, brighter times are ahead as Mars ends its reverse rotation in the intellectually curious mutable air sign, Gemini, on January 12, a cycle that began on October 30. Meanwhile, Mercury resumes its course in Capricorn, the ambitious cardinal earth sign on the 18th. These cosmic transitions won't bring about sudden changes, but they will gradually aid you in assimilating information, establishing connections, and motivating yourself to progress towards your wellness goals. Here's how the planetary movements of the coming year will set fitness trends and inform everyone's pursuit of bolstered wellness.What to Know About 2023's Main Astrological Events
As we approach spring, Saturn - the planet associated with determination, boundaries, and commitment - moves into Pisces for the first time since 1996 on March 7. Known for its empathetic and mystical qualities, this mutable water sign's transit until 2025 can assist you in pursuing spiritual endeavors such as meditation or energy healing that nourish your mind and body.
Furthermore, a fresh two-year-long eclipse series commences in the sister signs Aries and Libra on April 20 and October 14 respectively. Governed by the cardinal fire and air signs, these potent solar eclipses/new moons could incite significant transformations and fresh starts in terms of personal identity and relationships. Concurrently, the eclipse series that started in late 2021, potentially reshaping your values, self-appreciation, and deep connections, concludes. The decisive lunar eclipses occur on May 5 in the fixed water sign Scorpio and October 28 in the fixed earth sign Taurus.
Lastly, on May 16, Jupiter - the planet of prosperity, growth, and abundance - moves into Taurus for the first time since 2011/2012. This celestial event could intensify your inclination to prioritize self-care and indulgence while adopting a relaxed, consistent, sensual approach towards fitness.How 2023's Astrological Events Will Affect Your Mind, Body, and Spirit
Physical Health
Saturn, the planet that governs duties, boundaries, and the effort needed for long-term achievements, will be in Pisces from March 7, 2023, to May 24, 2025. This transition could motivate you to pursue your fitness aspirations with a more spiritual approach, merging emotional health with physical wellness instead of treating them as separate entities. Activities like yoga or dance that simultaneously nourish both aspects may be particularly beneficial, especially for mutable signs such as Pisces, Gemini, Virgo, and Sagittarius. Pay special attention to the period around April 20, where the solar eclipse and new moon in Aries present an opportunity for a significant shift towards enhanced vitality. Aries is ruled by Mars, known for its action-oriented nature and high-energy traits, making this period especially impactful for those with their big three or six signs in Aries or any other cardinal signs - Cancer, Libra, Capricorn. Furthermore, with Jupiter occupying sensual Taurus from May 16, 2023, to May 25, 2024, this year encourages indulging in more self-care activities like massages, foam rolling, and aromatherapy. Everyone, particularly Taureans and the other fixed signs (Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius), can take inspiration from well-known Taurean wellness enthusiasts like Lizzo and Adele to fully leverage this energy.
Mental Well-Being
During the period of Mercury retrograde in Capricorn from December 29, 2022, to January 18, 2023, individuals with Aquarius as their rising sign will get a special chance to strengthen their mental health. This is because the retrograde happens in their twelfth house of spirituality. Moreover, from April 21 to May 14, when Mercury is in retrograde in Taurus, Gemini risings have the same opportunity to feed their mental energy.
From August 23 to September 15, during Mercury retrograde in Virgo, people with Libra as their rising sign can revisit their strategies on mental well-being and make necessary edits. Lastly, Capricorn risings are given the same signal from December 13 to January 1, 2024. The planetary movements present us with an opportunity to introspect and focus on nurturing our mental health, despite the minor inconveniences they might cause.
Personal Growth
Initiating the year with Mars and Mercury in retrograde could potentially undermine even your most determined of resolutions. The likelihood of encountering hidden frustrations, a characteristic of Mars retrograde, along with miscommunications and technical errors, commonly associated with Mercury retrograde, might hinder your progress. This is likely to affect mutable signs Gemini and Virgo governed by Mercury, as well as ambitious Capricorn. However, taking advantage of the introspective ambience at the start of the year, focusing on internal growth during the early months can establish a robust foundation for realizing your grandest goals. This wisdom is further reiterated by the concluding eclipse series of the year in Taurus, a fixed earth sign, and Scorpio, a fixed water sign, both advocates for cultivating inner stability to develop and implement a strategic, successful game plan. In addition, teaming up with others will be beneficial in reaching your health objectives, especially when the solar eclipse takes place in Libra this October.
How to Use Astrology to Make the Most of 2023
With several major planetary shifts, a slew of retrogrades, and a brand new eclipse series beginning this year, there's a lot of runway to get your wellness intentions off the ground. Here are several must-know tips, no matter your natal chart.
Build a Wellness Plan Centered On Mindfulness
For those individuals driven by passion, especially fire and air signs, it might be challenging to find balance. The period from March 7th onwards, when the taskmaster Saturn moves into the sensitive Pisces, and from May 16th throughout the year, when fortune-bringer Jupiter rests in the resolute but often reckless Taurus, impulsive or aggressive approaches towards physical fitness, mental health, or personal growth are discouraged. Instead, progress comes through understanding and responding to the connection between your emotional state (i.e., your feelings) and your mental needs (what your body requires). Try integrating practices that promote mindfulness and tranquillity into your routines. Activities such as stretching exercises, Pilates, acupuncture, or sound baths can be beneficial in fostering a more meditative state. It's essential to navigate away from impulsiveness and adopt a more mindful approach to wellness. This method encourages not just physical fitness, but also mental health and personal growth. With the planets' positions this year, being in tune with both mind and body will prove advantageous. Consider adopting slower-paced routines and meditative practices such as Pilates, acupuncture, and sound baths. These activities can provide a conducive environment for connecting with your inner self while promoting overall well-being.
Prioritize Fun and Self-Expression
From July 22 to September 3, the planet Venus will enter a retrograde phase in Leo, the zodiac sign symbolizing the house of romance and self-expression. This astronomical event offers an opportunity for introspection about your self-expression and how you derive joy. If you've been finding it hard to voice out necessary adjustments during your group fitness sessions or lack the nerve to tell your fitness coach that you're not getting satisfaction from the training anymore, this period when Venus is in retrograde could give you the impetus to express your needs more assertively. You'll also find the courage to incorporate more spontaneous dance interludes into your workday, or perhaps take up pottery classes as a calming activity for your overworked mind.
Hone Your Adaptability
With Jupiter's amplifying influence, its journey through determined Taurus can lead to stubborn adherence to a specific course of action, regardless of the outcomes. While perseverance and dedication are typically commendable qualities, Taurus tends to remain committed to a familiar path even when it is unproductive due to their comfort level and resistance to change. The perfect antidote for this potential issue in 2023: cultivate flexibility and adaptability. Be open to modify your strategies as needed - whether it pertains to retaining membership on a digital fitness platform, sticking with an exercise routine set ages ago, or using a practiced line to spark conversations on Bumble for finding a life partner or new friend - if they are not yielding the desired results.
Partner Up
The cardinal air sign Libra experiences its first eclipse since March 23, 2016, on October 14, 2023. Libra, under the rulership of Venus (the planet symbolizing relationships), is linked with the seventh house of partnership. This unique correlation suggests that this year could be largely about delving into your personal relationships and discovering innovative approaches to leverage these connections to meet your health and wellness objectives. It's possible that incorporating a workout buddy or trainer into your fitness routine could be the missing piece you've been searching for. Additionally, nurturing deeper bonds with those around you can significantly contribute to your mental well-being.
Recognize Your Own Needs
On the date of April 20, 2023, a celestial event in the form of a solar eclipse will occur within the fiery cardinal sign known as Aries. This sign is governed by the planet Mars, which is associated with the first house symbolizing self. Contrasting with the lessons taught by Libra on the importance of companionship, Aries instills the value of trusting your intuition and taking ownership of your impulses. So, around mid-April, tune into your unique personal vision and aims, standing strong in their support. Regardless of any discouragement you might receive from friends or loved ones who mean well, do not hesitate to jump headfirst into a fresh hobby or sport, embark on a new professional direction, or fully immerse yourself in a blossoming relationship. It may be the starting point of an exciting and fulfilling new chapter in your life journey that could significantly contribute to your total well-being.